RECUPERATING

12.26.12

Nelson Mandela Heads Home

Schalk van Zuydam / AP Photo

Former South African president Nelson Mandela was discharged from the hospital Wednesday, after celebrating Christmas in the hospital. Mandela has been laid up since Dec. 8, when he was first admitted to the hospital with a lung infection, and also underwent surgery to remove gallstones. Though his health is improving, Mandela will continue to receive medical care at his home in Johannesburg. This was the first Christmas the 94-year-old had spent away from home since 1989—when he was still imprisoned for his role in the country's anti-apartheid movement.